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About your course

Merseyside is the host of some of the world's best sporting events, from the Open Golf Championship, to Premier League football and the greatest horse race in the world. Where better to study a BA (Hons) Sports Journalism degree than Liverpool John Moores University, where you will learn how to be a professional journalist, within a School which has a great reputation for its links to industry and high quality graduate training.

Journalism at LJMU has been ranked 6th best in the country in the 2018 Guardian University League Tables

Study and work in Liverpool Screen School's £38 million Redmonds Building, giving you access to state of the art facilities including editing suites, newsrooms, radio sound studios and a TV studio

Opportunities to undertake work placements with leading media outlets and sports clubs

The skills I gained at university matched perfectly with those required in my job

Louisa Collington, BA (Hons) Journalism graduate and PR Manager

Once I graduated with a degree in Journalism from LJMU, I moved to London and worked for a small media company. This allowed me to express my creativity and produce short TV news packages for an online audience. Skills I had gained at university matched perfectly with those required, so I was in my element.

Work-related learning

This vocational course offers many opportunities for practical, hands-on experience and work placements, thanks to our connections in the local, national and international media and sports clubs. For instance, LJMU has formed partnerships with various sports clubs and these important links have potential for placements and employment. Journalism alumni have gone on to work as sports journalists and presenters with a variety of print, broadcast and online media outlets, and many have found work in the communications departments of sports organisations, including Liverpool and Everton football clubs. Typically, students will receive 12 hours tuition a week and they will be expected to complement their studies by reading books, journals and newspapers, and watching and listening to news and sports bulletins on television, radio and online. The Liverpool Screen School is well equipped and there should be no reason for students to buy extra equipment.

Work experience, which takes place in the third year and is mandatory, offers invaluable opportunities to practise your skills in a high-pressure news media environment and will put you at a distinct advantage over other applicants once you enter the competitive job market. In fact, many students are offered permanent jobs at institutions like the BBC, Trinity Mirror and Lime Pictures on the basis of a successful work placement.

Liverpool has a thriving journalism industry, with one of the UK's largest and most successful evening newspapers and the largest newspaper publisher on its doorstep. Several TV companies are based in the city, including the BBC, Granada and Hollyoaks creators, Lime Pictures. The region also has around 25 radio stations, the national velodrome and countless football, rugby union and rugby league clubs.

Support and guidance

Dedicated personal tutor plus study skills support.

​If you decide to study with LJMU, you will join a warm and friendly learning environment where creativity is nurtured and supported by excellent learning resources. Throughout your studies you will be supported by a dedicated personal tutor who will be available to discuss course-related issues, monitor your progress, and meet with you twice a year to discuss your educational and career plans.

Go abroad

LJMU aims to make an international opportunity available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree, either in Europe or the US. You could take part in a work placement in Europe under the ERASMUS+ scheme or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. There are also opportunities to attend a two-week summer school with one of our worldwide partners.

Our Go Global Fund can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?

Course details

Sports Journalism has expanded rapidly in the last 25 years and with it opportunities for people with the right attitude.

This BA (Hons) degree programme provides practical training in sports reporting across all forms of media and underpins it with the very latest theory. It will ask questions such as 'what is sport's role in society?' and 'what are the factors driving the surge in interest?' By the end of the course you will have all the answers and the academic underpinning to fully understand the industry's future direction.

You will have access to the Liverpool Screen School's industry-standard facilities, helping you secure the hands-on experience you will need in your day-to-day work as a journalist. These facilities include edit suites, newsrooms, radio sound studios and a TV studio.

​Our strong links with local newspapers, television companies and radio stations mean that there will be opportunities for invaluable work experience during the course, and you will be encouraged to get involved with various student media outlets in Liverpool, including our own website.

If you would like to see some of the work published by our students, take a look at their website.

What you will study on this degree

Please see guidance on core and option modules for further information on what you will study

​Level 4

Sports Journalism Skills

Sport and Society

Broadcast for Sports Journalists

Studying as Journalists

Introduction to Reporting

News Writing for Sports Journalists

Level 5

Online Sports Journalism Production

Sports Feature Writing

Magazine Journalism

Developing Broadcast Skills

Reporting UK Politics

UK Law and Ethics for Journalists

​Level 6

Advanced Sports Journalism Practice (including live newsdays and work placement)

Journalism Careers

The following options are typically offered:

Dissertation

Journalism Issues

The Business of Sport

PR for Journalists

Specialist Journalism

Further guidance on modules

The information listed in the section entitled ‘What you will study’ is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal Academic Framework review, so may be subject to change. Students will be required to undertake modules that the University designates as core and will have a choice of designated option modules. Additionally, option modules may be offered subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Please see the programme specification document for further details on this course.

Teaching and learning

Excellent facilities and learning resources.

​Teaching is delivered via a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops, in addition to around 22 hours weekly production work and independent research.

As you progress through the course, you will be expected to do more project research so you will only spend two days per week in class in your final year.

Your lecturers

Expert tuition and support.

​Your tutors are all journalists with extensive practical industry experience and links to many media organisations, ensuring that what you learn on the course is informed by the latest trends and developments in the media. A number of them are leading researchers or authors and this is reflected in their teaching.

You will also get to hear about the experiences, ideas and insights of working journalists and respected academics that regularly give talks and run workshops and masterclasses at the University.

Assessment and feedback

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

​We acknowledge that all students perform differently depending on how they are assessed, which is why we use a range of assessment methods. These include: essays, projects, portfolios of work, exams, reports, group and individual presentations, and dissertations. Much of the work is journalism based and supported by academic essays and presentations.

Entry requirements

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

Minimum points required from qualifications

112

GCSE and equivalents

Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
• Key Skills Level 2 in English/ Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/ English
• Functional skills level 2 in Maths/ English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number

A Levels

Minimum number of A Levels required: 2

Is general studies acceptable? Yes

Are AS level awards acceptable? Yes

Average A Level offer: BBC

Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20

BTEC qualifications

BTEC certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

90 credit diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

Diploma (QCF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check via NARIC.

Finance and fees

Find out more about the student funding that you may be eligible for from either LJMU or the government. This section will give you information about grants and loans as well as targeted support for students with children, adult dependants or those with a disability.

Please note that the amount of money you will receive as a student is dependent on where in the UK you normally live (i.e. England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland).

LJMU scholarships

LJMU's scholarships are open to all new full-time Home and EU undergraduates that are liable to pay tuition fees. These awards are not income assessed, they are based on excellence. If successful, you will be awarded a scholarship for each year of your course subject to satisfactory progress. Scholarships are worth between £1,000 and £10,000 per year. The money you receive doesn’t have to be paid back.

LJMU bursary

The LJMU bursary is automatically paid to eligible students – you do not need to apply for it. The annual bursary is £500, which works out at £1,500 over a three year degree.

LJMU bursaries are means-tested and you don’t have to pay them back; they are intended to help you meet some of the costs associated with being a student.

Tuition fees

In 2018 LJMU will charge Home and EU students a tuition fee of £9,250* for the majority of its full time undergraduate programmes and £6,935* per year for part time courses. You will be charged a fee for each year of your course. The University reserves the right to increase fees up to the maximum permitted by law or government policy in the second and subsequent years of your course. Generally, these fee increases are linked to RPIX inflation (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).

*Subject to parliamentary approval.

The fees quoted are those for the 2018/19 year as information for 2019/20 is not yet available. The Department for Education (DfE) have recently announced that they will be freezing tuition fees for the 2019/20 academic year. However, this is still subject to the normal parliamentary approval. Once 2019/20 fees are confirmed we will update our web pages accordingly.

The important thing to remember is that you don't have to pay your tuition fees upfront - subject to meeting eligibility criteria, you can take out a tuition fee loan for each year of your course.

You can also take out a maintenance or living cost loan for each year of your course to cover your living expenses, such as rent and food.

You don’t start repaying your student loans until after you’ve left university and start earning at least £21,000.** Please note that the Department for Education who govern student support for students from England have recently announced it intends to increase this threshold to £25,000. This remains subject to parliamentary approval and we will update our website once further information is confirmed.

LJMU is committed to ensuring that students understand the full cost of studying at the University. Your tuition fee will cover or contribute to, as appropriate, expenses associated with your core modules, including:

safety equipment, such as lab coats and goggles

uniforms for nurses, paramedics and other professional placements

UK field trips and other educational visits

student exchanges

DBS checks (Disclosure and Barring Service – formerly CRB)

Professional sector regulatory body membership

** Repayment threshold for students normally resident in England and Wales.

Living expenses (maintenance) loan

In addition to your tuition fees, eligible full-time undergraduate students can also apply for a maintenance loan to cover your living costs. If you’re eligible, you can take out a loan for each year of your course.

The amount you’ll receive will depend on where in the UK you normally live and your household income. This money will be paid into your bank or building society account in three instalments and it’s up to you to budget for your living costs.

Part time students starting in 2018 or later can also apply for a maintenance loan.

Paying back your student loans

You only start repaying your student loans the April after you have graduated or left university and start earning £21,000* or above. Repayments are based on a percentage of your salary not how much you have borrowed from the Student Loans Company. Repayments are currently set at 9% of any income over the threshold (which is currently set at £21,000).* Please note that the Department for Education who govern student support for students from England have recently announced it intends to increase this threshold to £25,000. This remains subject to parliamentary approval and we will update our website once further information is released.

*Repayment threshold for students normally resident in England and Wales.

Career prospects

As a Sports Journalism graduate, will possess all of the practical skills required to enable you to work in a variety of roles connected to the industry.

LJMU journalism graduates have a good track record of employment, forging successful careers as reporters, writers, editors, specialist correspondents, freelance journalists and television presenters. As well as working in television and news publishing, they can be found in broadcasting and news agencies, public relations departments and consultancies, web-based media and local authority press departments.

CareerSmart programme

All students in their first year of study will have an opportunity to engage with the CareerSmart programme as an integral part of a core module of study. Once you have completed this, a wide range of other career-related provision and services will be available to support your development throughout your studies.

The new CareerSmart e-learning tool will introduce you to the steps involved in making informed choices about your career. It will enable you to consider your strengths and development areas, your career motivators, the options available to you and the necessary steps to take to achieve your career goals.

Professional accreditation / links

​The Liverpool Screen School has strong links with local, national and international media organisations including the BBC, ITV, Trinity Mirror, Lime Pictures, Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom, National Union of Journalists, Radio Academy, Institute of Communication Ethics, Association for Journalism Education and One World Media. Such connections provide excellent opportunities for student work placements and research projects.

International Scholarships

Studying at LJMU offers international students excellent value for money and the opportunity to secure an internationally-respected qualification plus outstanding career prospects.

LJMU offers scholarships for international students. The provision and range of these scholarships can change from year to year so it is important that you always check the website for the most up-to-date information. The University also accepts a range of external funding, should you be awarded a scholarship or sponsorship from elsewhere.

International Foundation Year and International Year One programmes

LJMU offers international students the option of completing International Foundation Year and International Year One programmes at the University’s International Study Centre. These courses are managed and taught by Study Group, a world leader in education and training for international students. For more details on the International Study Centre, go to www.ljmuisc.com/

English language qualifications

All international applicants must have an internationally recognised English language qualification, such as IELTS (International English Language Testing Service). Your English language qualification must have been certified within the last two years for verification purposes. LJMU will accept other UKVI-recognised English language tests providing you attain the appropriate level.

This table summarises the minimum scores required by LJMU, although specific course requirements may differ depending on the programme you want to study.

English language support to improve IELTS

If your English language level does not meet the required entry requirements for your course you may still be offered a place on the condition that you successfully complete an English for Undergraduate Study course at LJMU’s International Study Centre.

Tuition fee deposits

International students are liable to pay a minimum deposit of 50% of their tuition fees before their CAS can be issued. The outstanding balance must be paid in full within 4 months of the given enrolment date.

Living Costs

When you apply for your visa or entry clearance, you will need to provide evidence of having enough money to support yourself for the duration of your programme and to pay for all of your living expenses. The good news is that the cost of living in Liverpool is one of the lowest in England, which means your money will go even further, allowing you to enjoy your student experience to the full.

In addition to academic fees, you must budget for living costs such as accommodation, food, clothing, books, local travel and entertainment. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) states that students studying outside London must have £1,015 per month for a maximum of nine months to cover their living costs.

We estimate that a single student living in LJMU-approved accommodation is likely to need an average of £5,000 to cover just their rent for a full academic year.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme Certificate (ATAS)

If you have applied to study an Enhanced Undergraduate Degree (such as an MEng) course at LJMU, you should check if you require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate.

Alternatively, contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for guidance. It is important to note that, if required, an ATAS certificate must be obtained before your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies can be released to you.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Before you can apply for permission to enter or remain in the UK under Tier 4 you will require a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS. LJMU will only assign a CAS once you have satisfied the conditions of any offer made to you and you satisfy the University’s obligations as a Tier 4 Sponsor. For more details, visit the international students section.

Your visa application

As soon as you have received an offer of a place at LJMU you should contact the Entry Clearance Office at the British Embassy, British High Commission or Consular Office in your own country to check whether you need a visa for entry into Britain. You are advised to do this as soon as you can as the visa application process can take a long time.

Please Note: To obtain an Entry Visa you should go to the British Embassy or High Commission in your own country, and present the following documents: